Master Woody and Ronnie Green seminar

On Wednesday the 13th of September 2000, the city of Calgary saw the arrival of two of the worlds leading exponents of Muay Thai, Grand Master Chinawut Sirisompan and Simingdam Camp's Senior Instructor Kru Ronnie Green.

They were in town to give a seminar on traditional Muay Thai hosted by the National Representative for the IAMTF Canada and Senior Instructor Kru Ian Cocks of Sent Tarng Muay Thai Camp. To have here, Ronnie Green five-time World Muay Thai champion, and the International Commissioner for Amateur Muay Thai, Grand Master Woody (as he is affectionately known) was an incredible honour for Kru Ian.

The first part of the tour began on the Wednesday evening, when Ronnie and Grand Master Woody gave a class to Kru Ian's students on the traditional aspects of Muay Thai. Global television attended the class and interviewed the visiting celebrities and members of the local camp.Thursday began with a photo shoot of Grand Master Woody and Ronnie demonstrating the traditional techniques of the IAMTF syllabus. Lunchtime there was a meeting with a lawyer to discuss the legalities of a Canadian Association for Muay Thai. Later that evening both attended a meeting and several hours of discussion concluded with the formation of the Amateur Muay Thai Association of Canada (AMTAC) complete with an executive committee. Members of this committee have been designated specific responsibilities such as chairperson; fight inspector, licensing officer and so on. To celebrate the occasion each member had the opportunity to sample the Thai culinary expertise of Grand Master Woody, who is also a master in Thai cooking.

Friday morning saw an early start to the day's events, Grand Master Woody, Kru Ronnie, Kru Ian and a number of students participated in a television demonstration for Calgary A Channel's "The Big Breakfast Show". Of note was Grand Master Woody being asked about the possibility of Olympic status being achieved for Amateur Muay Thai. Next was "high breakfast" at the Calgary Tower, the visitors were quite impressed with the view of Calgary and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Seeking out Thai cooking essentials Grand Master Woody visited the Oriental section of Calgary, at the same time it was noted that actor and martial artist Steven Segal was coincidentally filming near by. Mr Segal was not on the set, although the group was able to meet with his publicist. In the afternoon Linda Parsons of "Action Martial Arts Magazine" interviewed both gentlemen. Grand Master Woody and Kru Ronnie answered many questions about their respective careers in martial arts. Friday evening was a visit to preview the venue for the weekend seminar, and both were suitably impressed with the set up and surroundings of Canada Olympic Park.

On Saturday, after many weeks of preparation came the big event. RCMP Officer Corporal Patrick Webb was on hand to welcome the visitors to Canada. He was kind enough to pose outside for pictures under the national flags with Grand Master Woody, Kru Ronnie and Kru Ian. Corporal Webb escorted all three men into the seminar proudly under the Canadian flag, Malora Leask a new Muay Thai student, sang a wonderful rendition of the Canadian National anthem for the occasion.

To end off the day was the question and answer period where the aims and objectives of the IAMTF were discussed. All were answered in a direct and professional manner with many pertinent questions being asked. Grand Master Woody was quick to explain that Muay Thai in the traditional sense includes much more than fighting in the ring. Included in the IAMTF curriculum is Krabi Krabong (the Thai weapon art), Thai massage, and Thai meditation. Kru Ronnie recounted his early days of taking on all comers and both men repeated how special it was when Ronnie beat the Thai champ in Thailand watched there on national TV.

Saturday evening the members of Sent Tarng Camp attended a traditional western style BBQ. Where both visitors, even though tired from their busy day, participated fully and were right into the spirit of things. They were awarded white cowboy hats and took the "cowboy oath". All in attendance had great fun and many laughs were shared. A special thanks goes out to all those who contributed to making the night so memorable.

Sunday was the National Judges and Referee's course part one. The course contained the rules, regulations, roles and expectations of judges and referees. Highly stressed was impartiality for all officials. It was then back to the rings where all participants had an opportunity to participate in hands on sessions in the various roles. Other subjects covered included, physical positioning of referees, safety of fighters and officials, proper speech and gestures ect. It was made apparent that this clinic would lay the groundwork for future AMTAC events. The session capped off with a question and answer period, again with many thoughtful and intelligent questions being asked by the participants.

Monday was the official tour of the Canadian Rockies. Colin, a member of the committee, kindly donated both, his luxurious motor home and his time to drive the visitors and club members. When the motor home arrived it sported a huge banner that said "Grand Master Woody and Ronnie Green's Tour of the Rockies". Although the weather was rather damp the group stopped to take photographs at Castle Mountain on their way to Lake Louise. Grand Master Woody was so impressed with the vista at the Château a coffee break was called to soak it all in.

Next stop was Moraine Lake, and a small hike up the hill to where Grand Master Woody and Kru Ronnie demonstrated some action shots. The tour continued to the town of Banff and a visit to the top of Sulphur Mountain via the gondola. Permission had been arranged for a technical photo shoot at the top of the mountain with Kru Ronnie and Kru Ian performing the techniques. After some shopping it was time to head back to Calgary and prepare for the farewell dinner. This dinner took place at the Thai Sa-on Restaurant where the owner's treated all to a wonderful culinary experience.

Kru Ian took this opportunity to offer his appreciation to all who contributed to this successful event. Grand Master Woody and Kru Ronnie were presented with gifts reflecting Canadian culture. These included Cowboy Belt Buckles, Glass Sculptures of Grizzly Bears as well as full size Canadian flags to find a home for in England. Tern owner of the Thai Sa-on restaurant and Kathleen and Don of Dragon's Den were presented with plaques acknowledging their support. Colin received an IAMTF Jacket for his generous contributions, which included transportation on the Rocky Mountain Tour. Sent Tarng member Kevin's contribution in the area of Web Site development was given heartfelt thanks by all. Appreciation was also given to Linda Parsons for her effort in capturing the weeks' events on film and in print. Finally, special thanks was given to Catherine Forbes for her incredible focus and support, which secured the event to be the success it was.